This Legendary Batam Spot is Packed with Singaporeans! Desserts are Divine, But There's a Catch
qponx
2026-03-06
Singaporeans are flocking to Hoods Coffee in Batam for its Bali-like, industrial vibe and spacious, Instagrammable interior. While the desserts and baked goods are praised as heavenly, this popular spot is a mixed bag. This review reveals the catch: inconsistent main courses, slow service, and even shocking food poisoning reports. It’s a must-read guide for anyone planning a visit, offering crucial tips on what to order and what to avoid for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Every weekend when I cross over to Batam from Singapore, my social media feed is always flooded with posts about this place called Hoods Coffee. Everyone says it's like a "little Bali," with its industrial design paired with green plants, and the photos turn out amazing. This time, I finally made it here, and honestly, the sense of space you get the moment you walk in is truly Mantap!
Desserts are heavenly, but main courses are a gamble
Sunlight streams in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and the wooden tables are spaced so far apart you could do aerobics. It's not at all like those cramped, crowded influencer-famous cafes, making it perfect for coming to Nongkrong with friends for an afternoon.[1] I came specifically for their hyped-up baked goods!
- Portuguese Egg Tart[2]: Anjay! You really can't fault this one. The crust is so flaky it crumbles, and the filling is as tender as a cloud. The sweetness is just right—no exaggeration, it's one of the best I've ever had.
- Cream Croissant[3]: Also amazing. The cream is light and not greasy, so satisfying with just one bite.
- Dirty Matcha Cream Latte[4]: For drinks, I ordered this super popular item. The blend of matcha and coffee is surprisingly wonderful, like drinking a liquid dessert. So good I wanted a refill!
- Truffle Beef Donburi[5]: The friend I was with ordered a main course. The beef was generous and rich, and the truffle aroma was strong. This main is worth ordering.
Let's be real, here come the complaints
OK, enough with the praise, let's get real. Their food quality is really hit-or-miss. The desserts and baked goods are king, but some of the main courses are... hard to put into words. For example, a friend once ordered the fried chicken and it was a bit dry[6], the coffee was also a bit too acidic and not hot enough (for those who want hot coffee, remember to tell the staff "panas ya!").[7]
Most importantly, when I got back and scrolled through the reviews, I was shocked to see more than one person mention getting severe food poisoning after eating their salads or pasta[8]... It totally freaked me out. Although it's probably a rare occurrence, everyone should be extra careful when ordering, especially with things like salads and raw food! Safety first!
A guide to avoid the pitfalls, you're welcome
Finally, here are a few practical tips for the girls who plan to go there to Chill:
- Serving Speed: Be prepared, service is super slow during peak hours. It's no exaggeration to wait 40-50 minutes for a main course[9]. You'll go crazy if you go there starving.
- About the Noise: The ambiance is genuinely beautiful, but it's also genuinely noisy! Because the space is so open, it feels like a wet market when it gets crowded. Be cautious if you're looking for a quiet chat.[10]
- Location & Transportation: The cafe is in an industrial area, a bit out of the way. It's a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the ferry terminal[11]. Just use Gojek/Grab to set the location.
- Price Level: For tourists from Singapore, it's okay. A main course + dessert and drink is about 23 SGD. But it's considered a bit pricey for a Lokal, which is why the place is full of people speaking Singlish.[12]
- For the Work-from-Cafe Crowd: There's Wi-Fi and some power outlets, but not at every seat[13]. So if you want to work here, you have to come early to grab a spot.
- Industrial decor + plants create a photogenic "Little Bali" vibe. The space is Mantap! and perfect for an afternoon Nongkrong [1].
- The Portuguese Egg Tart has a shatter-flaky crust and cloud-soft custard. So good, it's one of the best I've ever had [2]!
- The Dirty Matcha Cream Latte is a magical matcha-coffee blend. One sip is pure bliss—you'll want an immediate refill [3]
Similar Articles
Singaporeans cross the border just to eat here? Is this Japanese spot in Batam really that legendary?
Is Sushi Ozu in Batam worth crossing the border for? This popular Japanese restaurant is famous for its creative fusion rolls and incredible gyoza, served in a stylish, photo-worthy setting. However, it's not all perfect. This review gives an honest look at the hits and misses, revealing why you should stick to the creative dishes and perhaps skip the traditional sushi. Find out if this hyped-up spot is right for your next Batam food adventure.
Why did this 4.9-star pizza taste like second-hand smoke and a frozen crust?
Is Batam's 4.9-star Pizza e Birra worth the hype? This spot shines as a sports bar with a lively atmosphere, giant 44cm pizzas, a fun "Pizzaopoly" game, and fantastic pasta. However, the pizza itself can be a major letdown with a frozen-like crust. The biggest warning is the overwhelmingly smoky indoor environment, making this a great hangout for sports fans who smoke but a definite skip for families and non-smokers looking for a quality pizza dinner.
Batam's Newest Hotspot: Truly Mantap or Just an Instagram Trap?
Batam's new hotspot, Domoo, is a stunning Korean-style cafe that's perfect for your Instagram feed. But is it all looks? This review spills the tea, praising the must-try Cranberry Cream Cheese bread and unique Es Kopi Domoo. However, it also warns of the surprisingly noisy "wet market" atmosphere and a donut you should definitely avoid. Find out if this photogenic spot is truly worth the hype or just a beautiful trap before you visit.
4.8 stars on Google? The wait at this Batam chain gave me internal damage.
Don't let the high Google rating for Batam's Malaya Cafe fool you. This popular chain offers a polarizing experience. While the fried Gurame fish is a standout, inconsistent food quality and disastrously slow service can lead to hour-long waits. This honest review breaks down the hits and misses, offering a survival guide on whether to visit, what to order, and if the potential for a great dish is worth the frustrating wait.